MOUNT PLEASANT — A 20-year-old home overlooking Charleston Harbor at the mouth of Shem Creek has set a new residential sales record for South Carolina’s fourth-largest municipality.

The 7,015-square-foot, Southern-style mansion at 100 Haddrell St. in Mount Pleasant was sold April 17 for $14.95 million, far above the previous record of $8.65 million set two years ago for another home in the town’s pricey Old Village area.

The new owner is 100 Beach LLC, according to Charleston County land records.

The sale appeared to be an all-cash deal, as no mortgage has been recorded with the Register of Deeds. It was an off-market transaction, meaning the home wasn’t publicly marketed or listed.

The 1.32-acre property last changed hands in 2010, when the previous owners bought the five-bedroom, 5½-bathroom house for $7.5 million, setting a new record residential sale price at the time for Mount Pleasant.

Built in 2003, the waterfront house includes a dock, elevator, three-car garage and a saltwater pool.

Nancy Hoy with Carolina One Real Estate represented the sellers. Alex Brener, who was with William Means Real Estate at the time of the sale but has since joined Carolina One, represented the buyer.

The transaction suggests that the upper stratosphere of the residential market is largely unaffected by rising interest rates and other economic challenges.

Last month, a few blocks southeast of Shem Creek, a home at 205 Ferry St, was sold for $8.4 million.

Last week, in downtown Charleston, a pre-Revolutionary War-era house at 13-15 Meeting St. changed hands for $12.6 million.

On Sullivan’s Island, three homes have fetched prices ranging from nearly $8 million to more than $10 million this year.

“As Charleston continues to grow and gets more and more exposure, we are definitely attracting more serious high-dollar buyers to our community,” said Michael Scarafile, president of Carolina One, the largest-volume residential real estate agency in the Lowcountry.

The uptick in interest by deep-pocketed buyers for luxury housing started with COVID-19 as people began to work remotely and sought a better quality of life, Scarafile said.

“That hasn’t stopped,” he added.

Lyles Geer, president of William Means Real Estate, said the recent flurry of big-ticket purchases is being driven in part by low inventory levels for top-tier homes.

“There is a lack of supply in the ultra-luxury market,” Geer said. “When those homes do become available, they fetch a much higher price.”

An office and warehouse development encompassing nearly 500,000 square feet of new construction is in the works for northern Mount Pleasant.

Charlotte-based developer Cameron Property Co., an affiliate of Madison Capital Group, wants to build three buildings on about 60 acres northwest of the Faison Road and Park Avenue Boulevard intersection, according to plans presented to state environmental regulators.

The proposed structures, in the master-planned Carolina Park development, will serve as flexible space with offices in the front and storage or showrooms in the rear, according to Lance Ravenscraft with Madison Capital Group.

“Technically, everything is good to go,” he said. “It’s a great piece of real estate. The focus is on closing the land (purchase) right now.”

Plans show the largest building will be 187,100 square feet. A second structure will be 181,790 square feet while a third would be 113,400 square feet. More than 400 parking spaces also are planned with the project.

Site plans call for the structures to be up to 42 feet high, but Ravenscraft said the clearance will probably be about 10 feet less than that, with a height similar to the nearby Costco Wholesale store.

He foresees the business park as having tenants that need office and storage space such as biomedical companies or those that make items such as home building products.

“I can’t see it being a distribution site,” he said. “They all want to go up Interstate 26.”

Ravenscraft also pointed to tight credit markets and high construction costs as affecting the timing of future site development.

“I don’t foresee construction starting anytime soon,” he said.

Carolina Park spokesman Brian Keels confirmed the proposed development and said the land use has long been a part of the community’s master plan.

“That area has already been zoned for light industrial,” Keels said. “There just hasn’t been that much demand for things in the trade area in Carolina Park.”

The 1,700-acre Carolina Park development is mostly a residential neighborhood that also includes a hospital, other health care services, schools, fire station, library, churches, senior care facilities, apartments and commercial enterprises.

The wooded, undeveloped tract being eyed for flex development is owned by Chris Marino of Lerato LLC of Mount Pleasant. Marino did not respond for comment on the proposed project.

The land has not changed hands, Ravenscraft said.

The property sits between Charleston Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy and Gerber Collision & Glass on Faison Road. A storage facility is planned just north of the Gerber site.

The property also abuts the southern portion of Mount Pleasant Regional Airport’s clear zone.

Elliott Summey, CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, which owns the East Cooper airfield, said he doesn’t think the proposed development will interfere with aircraft operations since it’s not directly in line with the runway.

He also noted the residential development that has sprung up closer to the airfield in recent years as posing more of a threat to aircraft operations.

Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie was not familiar with the proposed business park and said the town is not involved in the project because it is part of the Carolina Park planned development agreement that has been in place for several years.

“If it fits the master plan and they don’t need any major changes, it just goes in,” the mayor said. “I just hope it’s not a storage facility.”

Raised on the Isle of Palms, Larry Spears, owner of East Cooper Lock and Safe, is the true definition of a local. His deeply-rooted Southern .values, sense of family and commitment to his community are reflected through his business every day. Established in 1981, East Cooper Lock and Safe has helped transform the East Cooper community.

“Over 40 years ago, my stepfather started the business with his business partner Bruce Thielen. I got into the business around 1983. So, for me it’s been 42 years. We started off in a little hotel room, and the hotel was called H Square,” shared Larry, beaming as he recounted a little family history. “I’ve been a part of this community for so long. You can’t find a locksmith anymore with a storefront. Just think about it. If I took my business out and closed these doors — that almost isn’t fair to Mount Pleasant. If someone really needs to come out to get a key or lock, I’m it.”

Spears’ love for his business and “always available” feel keeps his customers coming back or referring him to neighbors. That’s why East Cooper Lock and Safe has been the winner of “Best of Mount Pleasant” for several years. The success of their business comes from hard work, honesty and allegiance to the community. A small business’ reputation is paramount to running a successful operation. With great longevity in the industry, it’s no surprise how Spears and his team are impacting the Mount Pleasant community.

“I love working with the community,” said Spears. “I love to make customers smile or laugh. When they laugh at my jokes, I know I got them. I have that great character to pull them in; I’m genuine. What you see is what you get. The community has been amazing.”

Spears not only has a great personality, but his quality products separate him from his competitors. And they can do more than just retrieve those keys you locked in your home or vehicle. East Cooper Lock and Safe also specialize in decorative hardware for your home or business. Looking for brass and bronze features? Top Knobs, well known for their vast collection, is the perfect fit for that dream kitchen. Want a company who designs and assembles in the United States? Try Emtek, elevating your space to the vision you desire.

East Cooper Lock and Safe is dedicated to serving our community and providing a first-rate customer experience. You don’t stay in business this long if you’re not the best at what you do.

For more information, please visit ECLockSafe.com, or call 843-881-2044.

By Maurice J. Frazier

Families That Work Life Resources Announces Dr. Curt Thompson as Key Note Speaker at The Gathering 2022 Local Love: Polly’s Fine Jewelry is a Mount Pleasant Gem Meet Best Personal Injury Lawyer, Trey Harrell

A new restaurant is in the works near a major intersection in Mount Pleasant, and the Charleston area’s eighth Planet Fitness gym is coming to Moncks Corner.

Damon Navarro is asking the town to annex a 1.51-acre tract on Ira Road between Abide A While Garden Center and Life Storage off U.S. Highway 17 at Interstate 526, where the new dining venture is planned.

The property, across from the Walmart-anchored Wando Crossing Shopping Center, once housed Lamb’s Auto Service Center.

Navarro bought the property last September for $2.1 million through 1434 Ira Rd LLC, according to Charleston County land records.

The planned restaurant is coming through a Charleston investors group called High Tide Provisions LLC and will be called Frank and Jack’s on Ira, according to Stephanie Samuels, project manager and investor. It’s named after two now-passed colleagues of the developers.

Plans presented to the town show a 4,600-square-foot restaurant with a potential wrap-around porch. Plans also include a 625-square-foot covered area behind the restaurant and similar-sized flexible dining space with an outdoor fireplace next to it.

The site also would include a 1,000-square-foot courtyard in the rear, a 400-square-foot children’s outdoor play area and 1,875 square feet of outdoor space dedicated for adult games such as shuffleboard and bocce ball next to a bar.

The linear development would include 73 parking spaces and an overflow area in the rear for employees and guests to park.

If annexation is approved, the site’s zoning would fall under the areawide business classification. Samuels hopes construction could begin by August with an opening by next spring, but the timeline is dependent on how quickly plans move through the town’s approval process.

Getting fit

The Charleston region’s eighth Planet Fitness site is in the works.

The workout business plans to open a 21,704-square-foot location at 110 Bi-Lo Drive in Moncks Corner in a shopping center anchored by KJ’s IGA supermarket.

The gym is going in next to Pointe North Church in a building that once housed Walmart before the big-box retailer moved to the northern side of town several years ago. It’s expected to open in September.

A company representative did not immediately respond for further comment.

A food assistance program called Feed Berkeley once operated in the site where the fitness facility is going. Feed Berkeley has moved to 207 Newell St. in Moncks Corner Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Planet Fitness has other Charleston-area locations in Goose Creek, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville and West Ashley.

On the way

Two new shops are coming to a developing neighborhood in the Cainhoy area of Charleston.

Viva Tacos & Tequila plans to open in a 4,000-square-foot site next to a 2,000-square-foot Modern Movement Yoga studio at 836 Foundation St. in the Point Hope development, according to Bryan Fogle of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic, who handled leasing for the tenants.

The building is under construction next to a similar 6,000-square-foot structure to be built where Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe plans to open in about half of the building. The two venues will share a patio between the structures next to Clements Ferry Road. A fall opening is expected for the businesses.

Sweet treats

A new gourmet cinnamon roll bakery will make its South Carolina debut with a shop opening in downtown Charleston on April 7.

Cinnaholic at 415 King St. will host its grand opening 10 a.m.-2 p.m., offering a $2 cinnamon roll special, DJ, giveaways and samples.

The shop has more than 20 frosting flavors and 20 topping choices.

Also part of the Charleston rollout, the downtown location will have three limited-time offerings: lemon icebox pie roll, coconut cream pie roll and lemonberry coffee cake.

Franchisee Kishan Patel also has a location in Statesboro, Ga.

On the way

A new shop is on the way to a shopping center in Goose Creek.

Crafty Beer Sales LLC has applied for a state license to sell beer and wine for both on-site and off-site use at 214 St. James Ave., Suite 160.

The vacant space was once a dry-cleaning shop and is in the Planet Fitness-anchored Shannon Park Shopping Center.

On the way

A new commercial retail building is in the works for North Charleston.

Ironclad Construction recently submitted plans to environmental regulators to build on a 4.6-acre parcel at 8680 Dorchester Road, just west of a retail center that includes Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe and other tenants near Club Course Drive.

Tenants have not been announced. The site has 1.88 acres of wetlands with planned disturbance to about 1.76 acres, according to site plans.

Gassing up

A Charlotte-based convenience store chain recently purchased a 6-acre parcel where a nursery once operated in Moncks Corner.

Circle K Stores Inc. paid $1.05 million for the property on U.S. Highway 52 at Ben Barron Lane last month, according to Berkeley County land records. The previous owner was ZZ Real Estate LLC, an affiliate of The InterTech Group of North Charleston.

The purchased site is on the northern end of the former 686-acre Carolina Nurseries wholesale plant farm that closed in 2010. Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s headquarters and other businesses are now located on part of the sprawling tract. A new housing development is being laid out behind the Circle K parcel.

Cleaning up

A Michigan-based car wash company recently broke ground on its first of four planned locations in the Charleston area.

Tommy’s Express is bringing its first Lowcountry site to 3680 Ashley Phosphate Road, next to Republic Services, in North Charleston. Two others are slated for Summerville and another on Tanger Outlet Boulevard in North Charleston.

The wash tunnels are designed with a rounded transparent roof and full-size windows running along the length of the tunnel. Floor mat washers, vacuum stations and membership programs also will be available.

MOUNT PLEASANT — A prohibition on new apartment and condominium developments has been extended for a seventh year, until mid-March 2024.

Previous plans to extend the town’s apartment and condo ban into 2025 were scaled back just before the most recent moratorium extension was approved.

Municipalities need a justification to impose a moratorium, and the latest reason for Mount Pleasant is that more time is needed to rewrite zoning regulations to match up with the town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Previously, the moratorium was said to be needed so that the town’s infrastructure could catch up to its rapid population growth.

A 180-day moratorium was imposed in 2016, and after it expired the town imposed a new one in March 2017 that’s been in place ever since.

Mayor Will Haynie said the zoning code update should be accomplished within a year, so a two-year extension of the moratorium was not needed.

“We all agree that governing by moratorium is not the best way to do that,” he said, just before Town Council’s unanimous vote on March 14, with Jake Rambo absent.

The town’s rapid development and population growth, and the resulting traffic, has prompted residents to elect Town Council members who pledged to slow things down. And so they have.

In addition to the moratorium, Mount Pleasant limits annual building permits, particularly for multi-family buildings. Even without a moratorium, there are no permits left this year for apartments or condos.

An earlier permit limit was in place from 2001 into 2008, and focused on single-family homes.

More recently, the town greatly increased its impact fees for development, reduced the allowed height of new buildings in many areas, and has been changing zoning rules to allow fewer dense residential developments.

Charleston Trident Association of Realtors representative Josh Dix was the only person to address council members prior to the moratorium vote. He urged that they not approve it.

“In order for us to plan for the next generation we need housing options, and single-family homes are not the only answer,” he said.

With all the restrictions, some residents may wonder why some new apartment complexes have been built nonetheless. Just two months ago, the 224-apartment Atlantic Beach House opened on Ben Sawyer Boulevard.

That apartment complex was initially blocked by the town in 2015 but was later allowed as part of a 2017 settlement that ended a lawsuit against the town.

Growth and development was a top election issue in the town in 2015, and Mount Pleasant became the most-sued municipality in the state for development-related disputes.

Other apartments created in recent years were either approved prior to the moratorium or allowed under existing development agreement contracts with the town. The last time a new apartment development was submitted to the town for review was in 2015.

The town moratorium has since 2019 included an exception for “attainable” below-market-rate housing, but no such apartment or condo developments have been proposed.